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Clear the dancefloor and whip out your 10 paddles, because the Strictly Come Dancing Live Arena Tour is back for 2023! For the first time ever, Anton Du Beke will join fellow TV judges Shirley Ballas and Craig Revel Horwood on the Strictly Live Tour. The tour will also see the welcome return of the sensational Janette Manrara, who will host the 31 supersized sparkle-filled shows foxtrotting around the country in January and February next year.
Opening at the Utilita Arena Birmingham on 20 January, the scintillating live show will then waltz across the country to some of the UK’s biggest entertainment venues: Nottingham’s Motorpoint Arena, Leeds’ First Direct Arena, the AO Arena Manchester, Sheffield’s Utilita Arena, Newcastle’s Utilita Arena, London’s O2 Arena, SSE Arena Belfast, culminating at the OVO Hydro in Glasgow on 12 February.
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Strictly Come Dancing LIVE
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Here we go! Are you ready for the Strictly Semi-Finals?We can't wait to see everyone on the dance floor again! ... See MoreSee Less
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Strictly Come Dancing LIVE
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CASTING ANNOUNCEMENT We're adding two more celebs to our scintillating line-up for the 2023 Strictly Come Dancing Live UK Tour: singer, actor and presenter Molly Rainford and wildlife cameraman and Countryfile presenter Hamza Yassin. They're joining the previously announced Will Mellor, Ellie Simmonds and Tyler West; tour host Janette Manrara; and Judges Shirley Ballas, Craig Revel Horwood and Anton Du Beke for 32 sparkle-filled shows kicking off in January. Further casting still to be announced! strictlycomedancinglive.com/ ... See MoreSee Less
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Here we go! It's an extra special Strictly FRIDAY! Who are you most looking forward to see dance in the Quarter Finals tonight? ... See MoreSee Less
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2 weeks ago
EXTRA PERFORMANCES ADDED!Due to overwhelming demand we are adding TWO extra performances for the Strictly Come Dancing The Professionals tour! Sunday 14 May - 7. 30pm - Birmingham Hippodrome TheatreSunday 21 May - 7.30pm - The London PalladiumTickets for these extra shows are on sale now!Strictlytheprofessionals.com ... See MoreSee Less
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“Strictly was a such an incredible life-changing and emotional experience for me - it gave me a huge confidence boost and the feeling that anything is possible! So to be able to continue my journey on the tour next year is going to be amazing. I can't wait!"Don't miss Ellie Simmonds on the Strictly Come Dancing Live Tour in Jan and Feb! strictlycomedancinglive.com . .. See MoreSee Less
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Two more celebrities are today announced to join the [...]
Page load link Go to TopHow can you apply for tickets to see Strictly Come Dancing?
You could see Tess and Claudia presenting the show in person (Picture: David Fisher/REX/Shutterstock)Don your gladrags and get ready to tango… because Strictly Come Dancing is back for 2022!
Stars such as Helen Skelton, Kym Marsh, Fleur East, Will Mellor, and Matt Goss will all be taking to the ballroom this September to surprise with their salsa and wow with their waltz.
Best of all: you, the ultimately, Strictly fan, have a shot at watching the show in person, as it is broadcast live to the nation from Elstree Studios in Hertfordshire, not far from London.
Who wouldn’t want to see Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman host the show, or hear the judges’ critiques IRL?
So, how do you go about getting in the audience? And when should you apply?
Here’s how to get tickets.
Strictly 2022 is back – here’s how to get tickets (Picture: Getty)All Strictly tickets are allocated by a random draw via the BBC website.
For the main Saturday night shows, you’ve got until 10pm on Sunday, August 28 to register your interest in attending a Strictly taping.
On application, you’ll be asked to select your preferred dates from the following:
- Saturday, September 24
- Saturday, October 1
- Saturday, October 8
- Saturday, October 15
- Saturday, October 22
- Saturday, October 29
- Saturday, November 5
- Saturday, November 12
- Saturday, November 26
You can only enter for one pair of tickets per date, and if you’re successful, you could be allocated any of the dates you’ve selected – you can’t pick and choose at this stage.
More: Strictly Come Dancing
So, make sure you’ll actually be free to attend that evening before you select it.
Those lucky few who get a spot in the audience will receive a text confirming this, and then e-tickets will be sent to their email address.
Unsuccessful folks will be kept on a waiting list, just in case anyone has to drop out and forgo their slot.
There’ll be more dates, in December, revealed in due course, so keep an eye on the BBC website for news.
Unfortunately, random draws for the Launch Show and Professional Dancers’ Pre-Record have already closed.
Strictly Come Dancing returns in Autumn 2023.
MORE : Who is in the line-up for Strictly 2022? All the contestants announced for the new series
MORE : Strictly Come Dancing winners – the celebrities who won the Glitterball in all previous series
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Shen Yun Performing Arts | Shen Yun Performing Arts
About view
What should I expect from the presentation?
You will go on a journey through the wonderful historical eras of China, as well as visit its recent past. Ancient stories and legends, Chinese ethnic and folklore traditions, villains and heroes come to life on stage through classical Chinese dance, live music and stunning digital scenery. The performance not only entertains, but also enriches your life and inspires you. You will not get such an unforgettable experience anywhere else.
What is the presentation format?
The Shen Yun concert lasts approximately two hours, plus an intermission. There are about 15 short dance numbers in each performance, with great variety in terms of tempo and style. Some numbers are based on ancient Chinese history and mythology, others are based on modern Chinese history, and others simply show the dance styles of different dynasties.
Live orchestra performs author's music to accompaniment to dance numbers. The host briefly introduces the contents of each number in two languages, so that you can get a more complete impression. The program also includes 2-3 classical vocal or instrumental musical numbers.
Shen Yun's performance is an unforgettable experience with a combination of music, dance, gorgeous costumes and breathtaking digital scenery that will surprise you!
What does Shen Yun mean?
"Shen" means divine or divinity and "Yun" means feeling or rhythm . Can you imagine that beautiful beings have descended from Heaven and are dancing for you? This is the point.
"Shen Yun" means "The beauty of the dancing celestials." Sounds magical, doesn't it? Yes, it's magic!
Do I need to prepare specifically for the performance, such as reading something in advance?
You don't need to prepare yourself. You will have a performance brochure that describes each performance so that you can get the most out of the performance. Before each dance number, two hosts will briefly introduce its content and talk a little about classical Chinese dance, our unique orchestra, and other aspects of the performance and culture.
If you still want more information in advance, we recommend that you check our website. The About Us section will tell you what to expect from the show, the amazing art form of classical Chinese dance, and the mission of Shen Yun.
I'm not Chinese, can I understand the contents of the show?
Certainly. In fact, among the audience there are often permanent viewers of the theater where we perform. Each performance of Shen Yun is bilingual, and they accompany the entire performance and introduce the contents of each performance so that you can fully understand it. Lyrics translated and broadcast on screen; the programs also have a description of each performance number.
Most importantly, dance and music are universal languages that transcend cultural and linguistic boundaries. Mercy, courage and hope - special themes for Shen Yun - are also universal. If you're into beautiful costumes, exciting music, professional dance performances, stories and legends, you'll love Shen Yun.
(See what people around the world have to say about the performance.)
How long is the performance?
About two hours plus intermission.
Is there a live orchestra accompanying the concert?
Yes. Each Shen Yun performance is accompanied by a unique orchestra that combines Western symphonic and traditional Chinese instruments, such as the erhu two-string instrument, the pipa plucked instrument, and a range of percussion instruments. The Shen Yun Orchestra was the first in the world to include these categories of instruments as permanent ones. As a result, it was possible to achieve what many could not do, although they tried, namely: to bring two different musical traditions to one harmonious sound.
Where is Shen Yun located?
Shen Yun is located in New York, because the revival of traditional Chinese culture is only possible outside of China.
In the past 70 years, the ruling Communist Party has tried to systematically destroy China's traditional culture and replace it with its own type of culture. Due to campaigns such as the Cultural Revolution in 1960-1970, traditional Chinese culture, especially its spiritual heritage, was on the verge of extinction.
But in 2006, classically trained Chinese artists from all over the world came together in New York on a common mission to revive traditional Chinese culture through the performing arts. Many of them had excellent jobs or were at the top of the world of performing arts in China, but they realized that with a government that had been trying to destroy traditions for decades, it was impossible to restore authentic traditional culture. Therefore, they founded Shen Yun in New York, where they have the freedom to create and perform, where they can rediscover the once lost legacy and share it with the world.
What countries are your artists from?
Most of our choreographers and composers are from China, while most of our dancers are ethnic Chinese from the US, Canada, Australia, China, Taiwan and Japan. Our musicians are a unique combination of performers from China, as well as from the USA, Germany, Spain, Armenia, Bulgaria and many other countries.
Why can't Shen Yun perform in China?
Ironically, although Shen Yun celebrates traditional Chinese culture around the world, the company cannot perform in China. What's more, you won't be able to see a concert like this in China. Shen Yun would love to speak there, but the Chinese Communist Party does not allow it.
Of course, in China there are a huge number of performances that seem traditional, but after decades of political campaigns to eradicate cultural heritage, they are devoid of content. The uniqueness of Shen Yun lies in the fact that in addition to external craftsmanship and beauty, the company honors the spiritual nature of Chinese civilization with its ideas such as harmony between Heaven, Earth and humanity.
But it is this aspect of Chinese traditions that the communist authorities are trying to destroy. She sees the cultural renaissance and Shen Yun as a threat and therefore does not allow Shen Yun to perform in China.
Moreover, Shen Yun artists believe that art should not only be a means of spreading beauty and culture, but should include a humanitarian aspect. Every year, the Shen Yun program features at least one dance number that depicts a very sensitive topic in China that no artist in China has dared to touch on until now: the history of Falun Gong (see below). We think it's an important topic and worth talking about, and that's another reason why we can't play in China.
Meanwhile, among the Chinese, there are those who constantly fly to Taipei, Tokyo, Los Angeles and other cities to see Shen Yun. Countless people write to our website, expressing the hope that we will perform in China soon.
What is Falun Dafa (Falun Gong)? How does this relate to Shen Yun?
Falun Dafa is also known as Falun Gong. It is a method of practice that combines self-improvement teachings and meditation exercises. The teaching is based on three basic principles: truth, kindness and patience. Shen Yun artists practice Falun Dafa, which is the inspiration for our performances.
Both in the history of China and in the West, there have been artists who managed to incorporate spiritual aspects into their work. In ancient China, artists practiced meditation and sought inner silence and connection with the universe; they believed that in order to create real art, one must cultivate virtue and maintain inner purity. Today, Shen Yun artists follow this noble tradition.
You may have heard about the ongoing persecution of Falun Dafa in China today. It began in 1999, when tens of millions of people could be seen doing the Falun Dafa exercises every morning in parks across China. But fearful of the popularity of this worldview, independent of party control, the Communist Party launched a nationwide campaign of persecution in an attempt to eradicate the practice. In fact, at that time, the number of Falun Dafa practitioners outnumbered the members of the Chinese Communist Party.
Today, after 20 years of torture, imprisonment and murder, these spiritual people continue to follow their faith and continue to resist, always using non-violent methods. Inspired by their courage, Shen Yun artists are broadcasting these stories all over the world. The courage of these people and their hopes touch the hearts of millions of viewers.
Why are Shen Yun artists concerned about Falun Dafa?
There are two reasons. One is that the artists themselves practice the Falun Dafa system, which includes gentle exercises and self-cultivation teachings. They have benefited from the practice and feel it is worth sharing.
The second and most important reason is that good people in China who practice the Falun Dafa method are being severely persecuted because of it. It's true that if you go to a park, sit down and practice Falun Dafa meditation now under the current Chinese communist rule, you will be arrested and possibly tortured or killed! It's hard to imagine, but ask a friend from a post-communist country and he can confirm that this is possible.
A large number of Shen Yun artists have themselves been arrested or even tortured for practicing Falun Dafa or their family members. Some of the dancers you see on stage performing with such joy and inspiration have lost their parents to torture in Chinese camps. For them, it's all reality. They believe that they must do something to help not only their loved ones, but the entire Chinese people.
Why are tickets more expensive than some other concerts?
First, we try to ensure that every seat in the hall has a good view of the stage and screen. Secondly, we present a large-scale program. Each of our teams consists of approximately 80 dancers, orchestra musicians who perform with us on a permanent basis, singers, entertainers and technical staff. Each concert uses 400 handmade costumes (made in the state of New York!), not to mention digital sets. In addition, we are a touring company and try to show the performance in every corner of the world. We rarely stay in one city for more than a few days. This is different from concerts that perform in the same location for weeks or months.
In addition, we create a completely new program every year! This means that every year in the world we premiere with completely new choreography and musical compositions, as well as completely new costumes, digital animation designs and much more. When you imagine how many artists and artists are involved in creating a performance, you will understand that there is no other creative team of this magnitude anywhere else.
Here's what we heard from the audience: "This cannot be compared to any other entertainment. " For example, if you bring a child to a concert, compare the cost of a Shen Yun ticket and the memories that will last a lifetime with the cost of their education, cultural and artistic activities, and a healthy lifestyle. Some say that the inspiring energy of the concert and the feeling of hope that remains after the performance is truly priceless.
What is the inspiration for Shen Yun costumes?
Our dressers produce thousands of suits, hats, shoes, boots and other accessories every season. Shen Yun dance costumes are mainly based on the traditional clothing style of various dynasties in China, the unique clothing of more than 50 ethnic minorities living in China, and the attributes of deities from folklore and mythology. They are adapted to the requirements of the dances.
Shen Yun's costume designers select countless traditional designs and take them as the basis for their costume creation process. From the sheer robes of the celestial maidens to the robes of the dragon emperor and delicate flower-shaped shoes, they are all handcrafted in New York State for each artist.
Who composes the music for Shen Yun?
Shen Yun's musical compositions are specially created to accompany the dances, which are developed annually by choreographers for a new premiere. New solo vocal and instrumental numbers are also created each year.
Shen Yun has several in-house composers who create compositions based on musical styles spanning China's rich history and vast regions, as well as based on their own inspiration.
Each performance is paired with the perfect mix of Eastern and Western classical instruments, then carefully coordinated with choreography and on-screen animation. Music is always performed live.
Where do Shen Yun dance stories come from?
The short stories embodied in the dance are like little pieces of Chinese history. They can be about the Yellow Emperor of ancient times, about modern times, about heroes, deities and bright characters that have appeared over the millennia of the reign of different dynasties.
A unique feature of Chinese civilization is that its history has been recorded and transmitted continuously for about 3,000 years, sometimes in colorful detail. For Shen Yun, this is the richest material to revive the ancient culture on the stage of the twenty-first century.
Each of these mini-dramas, lasting less than 10 minutes, conveys an ancient legend, tells about the heroes of the past; illustrates literary classics, shows a heavenly paradise and much more. Each dance embodies and celebrates the virtues that have underpinned Chinese civilization for thousands of years: loyalty, courage, mercy and faith.
Is this "Chinese ballet"?
No, Shen Yun dancers perform classical Chinese dance along with various traditional Chinese ethnic and folk dance styles.
While ballet is rooted in European culture, classical Chinese dance is rooted in traditional Chinese culture. Classical Chinese dance has its own training system and includes many types of jumps, flips, somersaults, spins and acrobatic moves that were not historically part of ballet. This dance form is as ancient as the Chinese civilization itself, and it carries the deep cultural traditions of China. This makes the dance movements so expressive that the character of the characters and their feelings can be expressed very clearly.
Performing classical Chinese dance in its most pristine form is the hallmark of Shen Yun. In fact, on stages all over the world, no other company has successfully performed the original classical Chinese dance!
(Learn the 7 Key Differences Between Ballet and Classical Chinese Dance.)
Are there Chinese acrobats in the show?
Remarkably, the answer to this question is not at all what you might think! In acrobatics, you can meet the techniques of classical Chinese dance, and not vice versa.
Moreover, Olympic gymnasts, especially in the freestyle program, also borrow movements from classical Chinese dance. How can this be? During the thousands of years of development of classical Chinese dance, somersault and somersault techniques, the ones you see in gymnastics and acrobatics, have become an important part of classical Chinese dance.
In the 1970s, Chinese gymnasts demonstrated these high-level somersaults in international competitions, introducing them to the world. Over time, various forms of performing arts have adopted these techniques: gymnastics, acrobatics, cheerleading, and even modern ballet are just a few of the arts and sports that have borrowed elements from classical Chinese dance.
So when you see these amazing somersaults on stage, remember: this is not an acrobatics, but a classical Chinese dance.
Does the show have elements of martial arts or
gong fu ?Although the performance does not include elements of Chinese martial arts, classical Chinese dance and martial arts (Gong Fu or Wushu) do share some common features.
Thousands of years ago, when Chinese martial arts emerged, flips and techniques from them had a strong influence on other forms of ancient art, including opera and dance. Some movements, originally intended for combat, have turned into a means of entertainment both at informal holidays and at the celebrations at the imperial court. Over time, martial arts and classical Chinese dance became separate art forms that we know about today.
In the Shen Yun performance, you can see not only martial art-like movements, but also traditional weapons such as sticks, spears, swords, etc. used in both martial arts and Chinese dance.
(Read more about the similarities and differences between classical Chinese dance and gong fu ) (English)
I have already seen Shen Yun. Is it the same show?
Every year the Shen Yun performance is brand new. The format of the concert remains the same, but the choreography, music, vocal numbers, costumes, digital sets and stories are all new.
Attending a show
How many minutes before the show starts?
Shows start right on schedule. Please arrive early, taking into account traffic congestion and other unforeseen delays. Our show leaves a holistic impression. Don't miss a single number!
What is the best way to go to a concert?
It is better for the audience to dress in evening or business style for the concert. It can be a tuxedo or evening dress, suit or jacket with a tie. We recommend wearing what you look and feel best in. You've come to a special show, so why not dress appropriately for the occasion? Who knows, you might decide to take a photo in front of Shen Yun's promotional booth in the theater lobby and post your photo on Facebook or Instagram, and you naturally want to look good.
When should you applaud?
After you have bought your tickets, of course! As for applause during a concert, it is customary to applaud at the end of each number and after the entertainers announce the next one. Of course, if any moment in the performance particularly excites or delights you, you can freely applaud in the middle of the performance (the exception is solo vocal and instrumental parts).
Is the concert suitable for children?
Families make up the majority of our audience, and each year the kids have their favorite numbers, such as The Monkey King or the mischievous little monks. But please think about the other audience as well: will your child be able to sit through the whole concert without disturbing the neighbors in the hall. For this reason, children under the age of four are not allowed in most theaters. Some theaters and local organizers require children to be at least five or six years old. You can find this information by selecting your city and then on the right side look in the "Show information" section.
Can I use a camcorder or recording device?
Sorry, no. "What about smartphones?" Also no. "What about..." No. Photo, audio, and video recording of any kind at Shen Yun performances is strictly prohibited. Even without a flash, the work of a photo and video camera distracts the artists - the dancers see them! In addition, it distracts other viewers who want to enjoy the performance. Moreover, it is a copyright infringement. The theater and security personnel take this very seriously.
Other
What is your policy on ticket resellers?
Today, speculation is a common problem in event ticket sales. Some people buy tickets directly and then resell them (usually online) for twice the price! Please be aware that tickets sold through third party websites or organizations may NOT be accepted when you arrive at the concert. Moreover, if tickets are resold at a higher price, they may be canceled without prior notice, and the people who resold them may not be able to purchase tickets in the future.
Where can I find Shen Yun branded products?
You can find Shen Yun branded products in most theater lobbies during intermission, and before and after performances. You can also shop online at shenyunshop.com
Can I buy Shen Yun DVDs?
We do not sell DVDs of our dance performances. We believe that the full impression of the show can be obtained only by visiting the theater and directly feeling the harmony of dance, costumes and live music of the orchestra.
Live performance creates an energy that no record can replace. For this reason, we do not sell recordings of programs. We want you to enjoy Shen Yun the way it was meant to be, with all your senses and sensations.
However, we sell Shen Yun Symphony Orchestra DVDs and CDs. These are live concert recordings featuring 100 members of our symphony orchestra performing favorite Shen Yun original compositions as well as selected classical masterpieces that you may be familiar with. They can be purchased at the Shen Yun store.
Can I buy music CDs?
Yes. We have CDs and DVDs of the Shen Yun Symphony Orchestra, which performs original Shen Yun music from the dance program, vocal and instrumental solos with orchestral accompaniment, and selected classical masterpieces. Discs can be purchased at www.shenyunshop.com
Do you have a newsletter?
We have a monthly newsletter in English. You'll find news, videos, stories, blogs, photos, interviews with artists, and a glimpse of what's going on behind the scenes. You can subscribe to the newsletter here.
How do I know if Shen Yun will be performing in my city soon?
We hope to perform in your city! You can check the Tours and Tickets section to see the cities included in the upcoming season's tour. We also have a Notification function, with which you can select your city and subscribe to an automatic notification when we arrive at your place. You can subscribe to receive notifications here.
Balls and traditions. Interesting facts
Ball, ball, ball!!!
Ball is always a holiday. Bright, colorful, sparkling, cheerful. And this holiday has always been desired and loved in Russia.
Balls were given all year round, but the season began in late autumn and continued throughout the winter. Often in one evening I had to attend two or three balls, which required considerable strength, besides, many balls ended in the morning, and the next day it was necessary to make visits and prepare for the upcoming amusements.
Balls and masquerade balls were divided into class, professional, age categories, timed to coincide with special celebrations, and were court, public, private, merchant, wedding, children's . ..
Balls of the Noble Assembly, balls of artists and balls held by foreign embassies, merchant balls.
History of balls in Russia
The first ball in Russia took place in Moscow at the wedding of False Dmitry and Marina Mnishek.
Peter I resumed the balls, and since then they have become loved and revered both in the capitals and in the provinces of the Russian Empire.
Peter's assemblies became the prototype of future balls. The assemblies were gatherings with dances. Assemblies began to be held in St. Petersburg and Moscow as early as 1717 in the homes of the Russian nobility.
Assemblies served not only as a means of entertainment - "for fun", but also a place "for reasoning and friendly conversations."
Then, during the reign of Anna Ioannovna, Elizabeth Petrovna and Catherine II, assemblies completely supplanted balls and masquerade balls.
A ball is a solemn public or secular event, the main component of which is a dance program.
Therefore, since the 18th century, dance has become a compulsory subject in all higher and secondary educational institutions, schools and boarding schools. It was studied at the royal lyceum and at modest vocational and commercial schools, at the gymnasium and at the cadet school.
In Russia, they not only perfectly knew all the latest and old ballroom dances, but also knew how to perfectly perform them. The dance culture of Russia in the 19th century stood at a high level.
Ballroom dress code
The ball has its own ceremonial and rules of conduct, which makes it so majestic and luxurious. All this allowed to maintain sophistication and attractiveness.
It was customary to come to the ball dressed smartly. Cavaliers - in a tailcoat pair, tuxedo or suit (depending on specific requirements and conditions), white shirt and vest. By the way, tailcoats were of different colors, only by the end of the 30s of the XIX century the fashion for black was established.
White gloves were an obligatory item of clothing for gentlemen. The civilians wore kid gloves, and the military wore suede gloves.
Moreover, according to the rules, the lady had every right to refuse the gentleman without gloves. Therefore, it was better to come to the ball in black gloves than no gloves at all.
Civilian gentlemen's costumes depended little on fashion and were recommended to be sewn in classical forms.
The military came in full dress uniforms corresponding to their regiments.
Cavaliers came to the ball in boots. Ballroom boots were also worn by the military, and only uhlans were allowed to wear boots. The presence of spurs was not approved. The fact is that the spurs tore the dresses during the dance. But some lancers broke this rule for the sake of panache.
Ladies and girls dressed in fashionable dresses. As a rule, the dress was sewn for one ball and only in extreme cases was used twice.
Ladies could choose any color for the dress, unless otherwise specified. For example, on January 24, 1888, an emerald ball was held in St. Petersburg, at which all those present were dressed in the appropriate color.
Dresses for girls were made in white or pastel colors - blue, pink and ivory, that is, the color of "ivory".
Matching gloves or white gloves were matched with the dress. By the way, wearing rings over gloves was considered bad manners. Even more interesting facts can be found in the historical park "Russia-My History".
Ladies could adorn themselves with a headdress.
The girls were encouraged to have a modest hairstyle. But in any case, the neck had to be open.
The cut of ball gowns depended on fashion, but one thing remained unchanged in it - open neck and shoulders.
With such a cut of the dress, neither a lady nor a girl could appear in the world without jewelry around the neck - a chain with a pendant or a necklace. That is, something had to be worn necessarily.
Ladies' jewelry could be any - the main thing is that they are chosen with taste. Girls were supposed to appear at balls with a minimum amount of jewelry, for example, with a pendant around their neck or a modest bracelet.
An important component of the ladies' ball costume was the fan, which served not so much to create a fresh breath, but as a language of communication, now almost lost.
Recovering to the ball, the lady took with her a ball book - carne or agenda - where, opposite the list of dances, she entered the names of gentlemen who wanted to dance this or that dance with her. Sometimes the reverse side of the fan could be used instead of the agend. It was considered excessive coquetry to brag about your completed agenda, especially to those ladies who were rarely invited.
Rules of conduct at the ball
By accepting the invitation to come to the ball, everyone thus assumed the obligation to dance. Refusing to participate in dances, as well as showing dissatisfaction or making it clear to a partner that you dance with him only out of necessity, was considered a sign of bad taste. And vice versa, it was considered a sign of good education at the ball to dance with pleasure and without coercion, regardless of the partner and his talents.
At a ball, more than at any other social event, a cheerful and amiable expression is appropriate. To show at the ball that you are not in a good mood or are dissatisfied with something is inappropriate and impolite in relation to those having fun.
Starting conversations with acquaintances before paying tribute to the owners was considered indecent. At the same time, not greeting acquaintances (even with a nod of the head) was also unacceptable.
There was a special culture of invitation to dance at the balls. An invitation to a dance was allowed in advance, both before the ball itself and at the ball. At the same time, it was considered impolite if a lady arrived at the ball promising more than the first three dances in advance.
In the ballroom, order and dancing are supervised by the manager of the ball.
During the ball, gentlemen should monitor the comfort and convenience of the ladies: bring drinks, offer help. The gentleman had to make sure that his lady was not bored.
Talking at a ball is certainly permissible. At the same time, it is not recommended to touch on complex and serious topics, as well as to gather a large company around you.
Buffoonery is not appropriate at balls. Even gentlemen who have a too cheerful disposition are advised to behave with dignity at the ball. Quarrels and quarrels between gentlemen are highly discouraged during the ball, but if disagreements arise, then it is recommended to resolve them outside the dance hall. Ladies are the main decoration of any ball. Therefore, it behooves them to behave affably and nicely. Loud laughter, slander, bad humor can cause disapproval of a decent society. The behavior of the ladies at the ball should be distinguished by modesty, the expression of extreme sympathy for any gentleman can give rise to condemnation.
Most of all, any manifestations of jealousy on the part of ladies and gentlemen are inappropriate at the ball. On the other hand, immodest looks and defiant behavior that provokes other participants in the ball are also unacceptable.
Dancing
According to the rules, the gentleman began the invitation to dance with the hostess of the house, then all her relatives followed, and only then it was the turn to dance with their familiar ladies.
At the beginning of the 19th century, the ball opened with a polonaise, where in the first pair the host walked with the most honored guest, in the second pair - the hostess with the most honored guest.
At the end of the 19th century, the ball began with a waltz, but court, children's and merchant balls opened with a majestic polonaise.
During the 19th century, the number of dances that a gentleman could dance with one lady during a ball changed. So at the beginning of the century this number was equal to one, and already in the 1880s two or three dances were allowed, not following one after another in a row. Only the bride and groom could dance more than three dances. If the gentleman insisted on more than expected number of dances, the lady refused, not wanting to compromise herself.
During the dance, the gentleman entertained the lady with light secular conversation, while the lady answered modestly and laconic.
The cavalier's duties also included preventing collisions with other couples and preventing his lady from falling.
At the end of the dance, the gentleman asked the lady where to take her: to the buffet or to the place where he took her from. After exchanging mutual bows, the gentleman either left, or could remain next to the lady and continue the conversation for some time.
As a rule, after the mazurka, the gentleman led the lady to the table for dinner, where they could talk and even confess their love.
Everyone had dinner in the side parlors, at small tables.
In addition, a buffet was always open at the balls with various dishes, champagne, a large selection of hot and cold drinks.